Meet the Denver Post’s New Marijuana Editor
December 5th, 2013
In a bold “what’s next?” in Colorado’s legalization of marijuana, the Denver Post has appointed Ricardo Baca to the position of “Marijuana Editor.” Baca previously held the position of Entertainment Editor, covering a wide variety of topics from film to music. As he mentions in an interview, he is “no stranger to Mary Jane”, not a major user, but has seen his fair share of backstages with musicians around the country.
The state capital’s newspaper is not being shy about pushing marijuana-related news to the people. Starting January 1, 2014, marijuana will be “more legal in Colorado than anywhere else in the world”- though this information might not be completely correct, as sources suggest it is completely legal in North Korea. Regardless, Colorado is taking the forefront for marijuana legalization in the US, with Washington State just behind.
During an online live Q&A, Baca addressed Colorado’s current and future legalization progression, covering many topics, including his need for an editorial reviewer of marijuana strains. Apparently, even as the marijuana editor, Baca is not exempt from drug tests; however, the Denver Post stated they only test if “given reason to.”
Some participants in the live Q&A wondered about the growing conditions of Colorado and the future of marijuana strains. Baca referenced one marijuana grower, stating, that likely most of Colorado’s crop would be greenhouse-grown, due to the length and ferocity of Colorado winters.
Baca also addressed the role of marijuana within the Denver Post itself. Essentially, pot will not be treated like a taboo topic, as a recipe and informative marijuana baking tips having been already posted.
Additionally, people examined the future of marijuana legalization, in regards to whether marijuana prohibition would share a similar destiny as the 20th century’s prohibition of alcohol. Baca didn’t quite answer this directly, but he did describe the increasing movement towards legalization as a domino process, with multiple states changing policy all in a row. Further explaining that although Colorado is the first state to open retail shops, Washington isn’t far behind. Now, every state (and many countries) will be watching Colorado with a keen eye in the upcoming months.
-Nate Stevens, Editor
